Something Positive

The Assabet River National Wildlife refuge has a new visitor center and it is absolutely amazing. From the outside it doesn’t look like much, until you notice the swanky solar panels that are flush with the roof, the paved bike trail and the congresswoman with her entourage of assistants.

Wait… congresswoman?

I had the chance to zip down to this shiny new facility on Sunday after a pleasant weekend with a friend of mine in New York. Normally I wouldn’t have cut my weekend short for work, but the opportunity to interview a state representative was too cool to pass up.
Of course, when I got there I realized that I didn’t want anything to do with the politicians and spent my time interviewing a bunch of kids who had been raising turtles over the summer - a much cooler story.

What really impressed me about this visitor center was that it came with cool sounds effects, a simulated bear cave and a clean environmental conscience. The whole building is constructed with green materials, has lots of natural light and is entirely controllable via pocket transmitter. While I was there I witnessed lightning storms and goose migrations summoned up with the touch of a button. Not to mention the people that staff the refuge seem like very positive and kind individuals making the space feel really homey to an aspiring USFWS employee.

So, the good news is that after covering this event and dropping my resume off with the refuge staff I was informed of a GS -5 to 7 position opening up in October ($26,000 - $33,000ish a year). In the mean time it looks like I’ll be volunteering as an environmental educator and hopefully making a good impression with the refuge staff. Keeping my fingers crossed!


Although I don't personally have any photos that I can share with you, David Griffen, a professional photographer who was at the event does. Check out his gallery at: http://community.dmg-photography.com/2010-tsongas-riverday/